HRT Music Streamer IIPrice: $149.95

Website: www.highresolutiontechnologies.com

Howard said: Technophiles will be amazed that the Music Streamer II makes good on High Resolution Technologies’ promise to bring asynchronous-mode, 24-bit/96kHz computer audio to the masses. Those on low budgets will appreciate that it’s an absolute steal for $149.95. Everyone else can simply revel in the fact that the MSII sounds great, and provides more fun than the time neighbor Bentley accidentally dropped his ant farm in George Jefferson’s living room. Highly recommended for those looking for an inexpensive DAC that can decode hi-rez files.

Reviewers' Choice

Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.

The gist: Good digital sound is getting cheaper and cheaper.